By Cecile V. Malabanan
School, amidst all the unwelcome distractions brought about by various external events, has formally opened, and as the gates of our learning institutions begin to reopen, the issue of “gender violence” again comes into the fore.
In many schools around the archipelago, may it be private or public, various forms of gender violence are being experienced by students, girls and boys alike, of whatever age for that matter.
How is gender violence manifested? It may be seen in the actions or words of teachers, the same people who were supposed to take care and nourish the minds of the young children under their jurisdiction.
A teacher who touches the private part of a male student, as has been the common case these days, commits an act of gender violence. So with a mentor who is not understood by his student in Filipino and utters an uncalled for derogatory statement like: “I thought you were smart. You’re dumb.”
Children, especially those of tender age, do not deserve such abuse because they do believe and trust that their teachers are their second parents, and thus, they are supposed to love and take care of them, not abuse and insult them.
The number of victims of gender violence is simply growing at an excessive rate. Girls and boys alike who experience harm in whatever manner from people who we call “teachers” have been multiplying in number. Most of these poor children do not tell their parents anything for fear of “retaliation,” thus, leading to numerous unsolved cases of abuse and individuals growing up with much fear and trauma.
Gender violence, or even just violence, starts at home. Truly, discipline needs to be inculcated in children, but, within the bounds of their rights. Anger should be managed well.
A recent study found that girls suffered more from sexual and emotional abuse than boys. Most of the girls were victims of assault, harassment, rape, trafficking and domestic violence. Boys experienced more physical violence.
Indeed, children and youth who fear schooling will not avail themselves of education, even if it is for free.
Thus, the learning experience should be made truly safe and pleasurable. Children should find schooling enjoyable and fun-filled. They should learn not out of fear, but rather, because of an ardent desire to learn and out of utmost respect for their mentors. The school is their second home and every minute that they spend in school should be filled with lots of beautiful memories.
Teachers should be constantly reminded that children are placed under their care for them to be loved and cared for, never to be abused.
Stop gender violence NOW. Tomorrow may be too late.
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